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Who would expect to find a sparkling Christmas
Spectacular, attended by coachloads of people from all over the
country, staged in a large farm shed in the middle of Norfolk?
And yet, it is that very singularity, that uniqueness,
that is at the core of what the show at Thursford is all about.
Take it away from Norfolk and put it on in the
West End, and I believe it wouldn't work.
It is to director John Cushing's credit, that the
show lives on here, now in its 26th year, and people are re-booking
for the following year, as soon as the current year is gone.
To some it's kitsch, to others it's just a good
old fashioned family Christmas show, but there's no knocking the
professionalism or the enthusiasm of the cast.
There are some 80 to 90 musical items, which range
from fully choreographed song and dance routines, and choral interludes,
to the sound of the mighty Wurlitzer and a piped band.
Every number you ever remember with links to the
festive season is in here, from the operatic to the downright schmaltzy.
There is some superb choral work here, some excellent
arrangements, which are brought to their peak in the second half.
There's a moving tribute to John Cushing's father
George, who was the founder of the entire Thursford Collection,
who died aged 98 this year.
The prize for exuberance goes to percussionist
Daniel Ellis, who practically sets light to his xylophone, he gives
it so much welly.
Other highlights are the Thursford Orchestra playing
music from Bizet's Carmen, and a performance of We Are The World
with flags from every nation.
If I had any criticism, it would be that the show
is too long - it's three hours including the interval.
I would prefer to see less than 80 or 90 different
items and more themed pieces. But, how can you argue with 100,000
people?
The farm building which houses the spectacular
is decorated with hundreds of thousands of bulbs which cover the
stage and the huge Christmas trees in the auditorium.
Hanging from the roof are a huge model reindeer,
crystal balls and gallopers from the fairground roundabouts that
spawned the Thursford steam collection.
It is every child's fantasy, and it's here in Norfolk.
Cynics need not attend.
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